Canadians Are Not Spending Enough Time Outdoors

A recent study has shown that even though the average Canadian believes that being outside has health benefits, some of them (30% of them) are actually spending less time outdoors.

The Coleman Canada Outdoor Report conducted a survey that showed that more than 1,500 Canadian adults hosted by Angus Reid Forum, found out that 98% of Canadians believe that being outdoors enhances once well-being; it also found that 95% of Canadians feel that time in the great outdoors reduces our stress.

In addition to that, it also found out that 8 in 10 Canadians feel that our iconic landscapes like the Rocky Mountains, the seashore, our dramatic lakes and other features, are a defining characteristic of Canada.

Remarkably, however, the study also found that 29% of Canadians, almost 3 out of 10 spend less than half an hour per week outdoors. 64% of Canadians are enjoying the open-air for less than 2 hours a week.

While we’re not getting outside much, we appear to feel a bit guilty about it. 84% of surveyed Canadians said they’d like to spend more time outdoors but that their personal or family schedules (51%) or their work schedules (46%) don’t allow it.

To encourage Canadians to get out and enjoy the country’s beauty and reduce our stress, Coleman is continuing its Get Outside movement, now in its 4th year. The camping and outdoor supplies company is declaring July 14 “National Get Outside Day” to remind us of the things we say are important for our mental and physical health.

“With celebrating our country’s 150th birthday this year, what better time than now to enjoy and explore our beautiful outdoors,” said Dawn Whiteside, Brand Activation Manager at Coleman Canada.”

Not only is it good for us to get out of the house, Whiteside also noted that Parks Canada is making all Canadian national parks free this year to celebrate our 150th birthday.

The Angus Reid study shows that 73% of those surveyed used the weather as an excuse for not being outside as often. Others cited too many insects (43%), not knowing what to do (an alarming 33%) and not having Wi-Fi or Internet (21%).

“In our research we found that Canadians cite many different barriers preventing them from spending time outdoors, including not knowing what to do outside and not having anyone to do it with,” said Whiteside.

Coleman encourages Canadians to discover an enjoyable outdoor activity, regardless of what it might be.

“For those who want to try camping but prefer to do so with some comforts from home, investing in an airbed and a coffee maker can make the campsite an outdoor extension of home,” she said. “The most important thing is for Canadians to get outside and enjoy all the benefits that has to offer.”